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Getting to know your topic
Background research is how you learn about your general topic. Below and on the Strategies page are some resources and strategies for you. Background research tells you:
- what is generally known about a topic, or
- what is generally known about individual parts of your topic, or
- what is generally known about the current conversation about your topic*.
*This is not the deep dive into very specific journal articles. This is much broader, and tells you more about your general topic - that way you know how to narrow down your research question to something that's a college-level research topic.
Topic Info: Outside Resources
Finding the right topic for your research paper can be tough! But don't be afraid to look outside the box for interesting topics...and if you have a question about a website, ask me. I'm happy to help.
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Topic Info: Library Resources
- Opposing Viewpoints (Gale in Context) This link opens in a new windowCurrent social issues presented in topic pages with a variety of data on differing points of view.
- Credo Reference This link opens in a new windowOver 600 reference books, including encyclopedias, dictionaries, thesauri, books of quotations, as well as a range of subject-specific reference books.
- CQ Researcher This link opens in a new windowIn-depth, unbiased coverage of health, social trends, criminal justice, international affairs, education, the environment, technology, economy, and global affairs.
And here are some good related online encyclopedias and handbooks: